First impressions with 20" style 87s on 3.0 5 speed manual

[e39_touring]

I changed out my style 18" style 69s for a set of style 87s, and while I LOVE the look, I'm not sure I like how they ride/perform.

The ride quality is not that different. Smaller road imperfections (i.e. expansion joints, etc.) are more pronounced, but bigger bumps seem to be about the same. There's a bit more road noise, too. I'd say the overall ride quality differences aren't a big deal.

Performance-wise the extra weight (15-20lbs per corner! - see my other thread on wheel weights) is very noticeable. I can definitely feel the heaviness during acceleration and in overall nimbleness of the car. My current 105k mile non-sport suspension has a harder time controlling the heavier wheel movements on anything but flat surfaces.

Overall, the looks are awesome, and I'll have to see if I can get used to the degraded performance. I have a set of Eibach lowering springs and am waiting on delivery of a set of Bilstein HD's, which will probably help a lot (and mine looks a little jacked-up with the high-riding standard susp). But, as it stands I wouldn't recommend going to 20's on any X with the stock standard suspension and maybe not the 3.0.

I'm wondering if a set of style 63 fronts (19x9) on all for corners, maybe with a small 10-15mm spacer in the rear, would be a better option for the 3.0. That should weigh close to the 18s but have a lower profile tire.